Here's what the NYT has to say: "Texas’s most beloved barbecue is served about an hour north in Hill Country, but the Smokehouse (3306 Roland Avenue; 210-333-9548; thesmokehousesa.com) represents San Antonio proudly. You’ll smell the proof from the parking lot: this is the real deal. Friendly staff members work the 40-foot-long mesquite-wood pits. Order a sandwich or a platter by the pound, including the succulent, charred-on-the-outside brisket ($6.60 for 1/3 pound, with two sides)."

Never been to the Smokehouse, so I can't comment on its supposed reputation. But based on my prejudices toward the NY Times, its readership, and pretty much everyone from NYC, their advice sounds to me like the blind leading the blind.

On one hand, it may just be that it is the best BBQ in S.A., and the writer was trying to keep it simple. On the other hand, if you were advising someone who was going to be in S.A. for 3 days, wouldn't you suggest a trip to Austin (and vice versa)? And, if they had ANY liking of BBQ, wouldn't you say "Hey, on the way back to S.A. from Austin, take 183 south to Lockhart or Luling..." Oh well... I'm sure when I go to upstate N.Y. or NYC I eat at the wrong wing / bagel joint...

Smokehouse is one of the most over rated BBQ joints in Texas, slighty behind New Zion BBQ in Huntsville. If the rules are that I had to stay in the city, and I wasn't only going to eat Tex-Mex/Hispanic food, I would hit up B & B Smokehouse in far south SA. Better yet I would drive to McBees in Hondo or a quick trip to Lockhart and Lulling.